Family child care homes in Portland are licensed by the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) under ORS 329A.250-329A.450 and OAR 414-205. Portland zoning treats Registered Family Child Care (up to 10 children) as a permitted Household Living use in all residential zones under PCC 33.910 definitions. Certified Family Child Care (up to 16 children) is also allowed in single-dwelling zones as an accessory use. Local business licensing through the City of Portland Revenue Division also applies.
Oregon centralizes child-care licensing in the Department of Early Learning and Care. Three categories matter for residential settings: (1) Regulated Family Child Care (up to 3 unrelated children) — minimal regulation, no DELC license required; (2) Registered Family Child Care (up to 10 children, including the provider's own) — DELC registration required under OAR 414-205-0040; (3) Certified Family Child Care (up to 16 children with assistants) — full DELC certification under OAR 414-350. Portland's PCC 33.910 defines 'Household Living' to include child-care for up to 16 children, making these uses permitted by right in R-zones without conditional-use review. Child-care for more than 16 children is treated as a 'Daycare' use under PCC 33.920.090 and may require a conditional use in residential zones. State background checks, CPR/First Aid certification, immunization records, and a safe-environment assessment are required for DELC registration. Portland separately requires a city business license under PCC 7.02 and applies the Portland Business License Tax to net income.
Operating an unlicensed child-care home above the 3-child threshold is a violation of ORS 329A.255 and subjects the provider to civil penalties up to $500/day under ORS 329A.355. DELC may issue cease-and-desist orders. Portland zoning enforcement under PCC 33.700 applies if the use exceeds the 16-child Household Living threshold without conditional-use approval. Operating without a Portland business license triggers PCC 7.02 penalties and back-tax assessment.
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